The first day of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh set the stage for what promises to be one of the most transformative technology conferences of the year. With over 170,000 attendees, 1,800 global tech brands, and 680 startups, the event is a melting pot of technological advancement, bringing together the world’s most innovative companies and visionaries.
A Grand Showcase of the Future
Stepping onto the exhibition floor, one is immediately struck by the sheer magnitude of the event. Every major industry—oil and gas, real estate, infrastructure, education, fintech, healthcare, and more—was represented, demonstrating how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are shaping the future. The world’s top tech players unveiled their next-generation solutions, providing glimpses into how they are transforming industries and improving efficiency, productivity, and everyday life.
Petr Krasnov, CEO of Verysell Group, is a seasoned technology strategist and AI advocate with a strong background in AI-driven business transformation and fostering cross-industry innovation. With years of experience in guiding companies through digital transformation, he has played a key role in developing strategies that integrate AI solutions into diverse industries. His expertise spans from financial services to infrastructure and smart city initiatives, making him a recognized leader in AI adoption and implementation.. With years of experience in guiding companies through digital transformation, he has played a key role in developing strategies that integrate AI solutions into diverse industries. His expertise spans from financial services to infrastructure and smart city initiatives, making him a recognized leader in AI adoption and implementation.
At LEAP 2025, Krasnov experienced firsthand the sheer scale and excitement of the event. The atmosphere was electric with industry-defining developments, from oil and gas to real estate, infrastructure, education, and fintech, all demonstrating AI-driven transformations. Companies showcased groundbreaking advancements, reflecting a collective commitment to leveraging AI for efficiency and innovation. The event provided an unparalleled opportunity for SmartDev to engage with key industry leaders and reinforce the importance of strategic partnerships in leading the next wave of technological innovation.
Key Announcements and Industry Trends
Saudi Arabia’s Investment In AI
Day 1 of LEAP 2025 was filled with groundbreaking announcements and key insights that set the tone for the future of AI and emerging technologies. Saudi Arabia announced a $14.9 billion investment in AI and digital transformation, reaffirming its ambition to become a global leader in technology. The Saudi Digital Government Authority also introduced new policies aimed at strengthening AI governance and cybersecurity.
As SmartDev continues its strategic expansion into the Middle East, the event’s focus on AI and digital transformation reinforces the company’s commitment to this market. With the region investing heavily in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise automation, SmartDev is positioning itself as a trusted technology partner for local businesses and government initiatives. The company aims to foster partnerships that will drive fintech innovation, smart city developments, and AI-powered business solutions. LEAP 2025 provides a prime opportunity for SmartDev to engage with key stakeholders, align with the region’s digital goals, and cement its presence as a major player in the Middle Eastern tech ecosystem. With backing from major investors and government agencies, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Middle East and beyond.
The DeepFest
The DeepFest Stage was a truly immersive experience for SmartDev. As we sat among fellow tech pioneers, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and the exchange of transformative ideas. We had the opportunity to witness groundbreaking discussions on AI governance, ethical AI deployment, and the evolving role of large language models in enterprise applications. Thought leaders such as Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, a leading AI investor, and Dr. Sarah Al-Amiri, the UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology, shared invaluable insights into how AI is shaping global economies and revolutionizing industries.
SmartDev having the opportunity there was more than just to learn but also to engage with innovators who are inspiring us with AI. We connected with key stakeholders, exchanged ideas on responsible AI integration, and explored how emerging trends could be leveraged to strengthen our impact in the Middle East. The energy at DeepFest was a testament to the rapid evolution of AI and its ever-growing role in shaping the future of business and society.
The Tech Arena
The Tech Arena was buzzing with innovations from startups and established tech giants. AI-powered robotics, blockchain-driven financial security solutions, and predictive analytics tools were among the most talked-about technologies. Major exhibitors included IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei, NVIDIA, Mastercard, Visa, PayTabs, Ripple, OpenAI, and DeepMind, each showcasing their latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, fintech solutions, and cybersecurity. Fintech leaders such as Mastercard, Visa, PayTabs, and Ripple also presented groundbreaking innovations in digital payments, decentralized finance (DeFi), and fraud prevention. Additionally, Aramco also made headlines by launching a new AI-driven initiative to optimize energy efficiency in industrial operations, while Google Cloud introduced its latest AI-powered data management tools tailored for enterprise-scale businesses.
Another major highlight of the day was the launch of the LEAP Startup Accelerator, a program designed to support AI-driven startups with mentorship, funding, and market access. With backing from major investors and government agencies, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Middle East and beyond.
AI at the Core of Innovation
Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly the driving force of LEAP 2025, with massive adoption across industries. From AI-driven automation in oil and gas operations to real estate tech leveraging predictive analytics, companies are eager to integrate AI-powered solutions.
Infrastructure projects showcased smart city initiatives, with AI optimizing urban planning, energy efficiency, and traffic management. In education, the focus was on AI-powered personalized learning experiences and adaptive curriculums, ensuring a tailored approach to knowledge acquisition. Meanwhile, fintech companies demonstrated cutting-edge AI applications in fraud detection, customer personalization, and risk assessment, setting new standards in financial services.
A Strong Focus on Partnerships
Our representatives, including Petr Krasnov, highlighted how industries are demonstrating a strong commitment to AI adoption. As part of its strategic vision, the company is focusing on the Middle East as a new potential market for 2025 and beyond. Recognizing the region’s rapid technological evolution and strong investment in AI-driven transformation, Verysell Group sees immense opportunities for collaboration and expansion.
They emphasized that companies are not only showcasing their technological advancements but also actively seeking partnerships to accelerate their innovation strategies to the world. With collaboration as a central theme, businesses at LEAP 2025 are determined to position themselves at the forefront of AI-driven transformation.
What’s Next?
As LEAP 2025 progresses, SmartDev and Verysell Group are poised to actively engage in the upcoming sessions and networking opportunities over the next three days. Our primary objectives at the event include:
- Exploring Strategic Partnerships: We aim to connect with industry leaders and innovators to establish collaborations that align with our mission to drive technological advancement in the Middle East.
- Showcasing Our Expertise: By participating in discussions and presentations, we plan to highlight our capabilities in AI integration, software development, and digital transformation solutions tailored for various industries.
- Identifying Market Opportunities: We are focused on understanding the unique technological needs of the Middle Eastern market to offer customized solutions that foster growth and efficiency.
- Strengthening Regional Presence: Our goal is to reinforce our commitment to the Middle East by engaging with local businesses and stakeholders, demonstrating our dedication to contributing to the region’s technological landscape.
Verysell Group, under the leadership of CEO Petr Krasnov, is also leveraging the event to discuss its fintech-driven solution, VeryPay. This platform is dedicated to transforming mobile money adoption across Africa, addressing financial inclusion challenges and streamlining digital payments. At LEAP 2025, Krasnov will connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and potential collaborators to expand the reach of VeryPay and explore opportunities for broader fintech adoption in emerging markets.
By the conclusion of LEAP 2025, we anticipate having forged meaningful connections and gained valuable insights that will propel our initiatives in the Middle East throughout 2025 and beyond. Explore more about what SmartDev will do at LEAP 2025
For SmartDev, Day 1 reaffirmed the importance of AI in shaping the business landscape, and we are eager to explore how our expertise can contribute to this new wave of transformation. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey at LEAP 2025!
